Asteric

Asteric - General Information

The prototypical analgesic used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and acts as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase which results in the inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Asteric also inhibits platelet aggregation and is used in the prevention of arterial and venous thrombosis. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p5)

Pharmacology of Asteric

Asteric (acetylsalicylic acid) is an analgesic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Asteric's mode of action as an antiinflammatory and antirheumatic agent may be due to inhibition of synthesis and release of prostaglandins. Asteric appears to produce analgesia by virtue of both a peripheral and CNS effect. Peripherally, Asteric acts by inhibiting the synthesis and release of prostaglandins. Acting centrally, it would appear to produce analgesia at a hypothalamic site in the brain, although the mode of action is not known. Asteric also acts on the hypothalamus to produce antipyresis; heat dissipation is increased as a result of vasodilation and increased peripheral blood flow. Asteric's antipyretic activity may also be related to inhibition of synthesis and release of prostaglandins.

reduces the risk of death in patients with suspected acute heart attacks (myocardial infarctions)

prevents recurrent heart attacks and

reduces the risk of heart attacks or sudden death in patients with unstable and chronic stable angina pectoris (chest pain).

3) OTHER CORONARY CONDITIONS: Aspirin can be used to treat patients who have had certain revascularization procedures such as angioplasty, and coronary bypass operations -- if they have a vascular condition for which aspirin is already indicated.

A. Doctors and health care professionals will be provided with full prescribing information about the use of aspirin in both men and women who have had a heart attack, stroke, certain other cardiovascular conditions and rheumatologic diseases. For stroke and cardiovascular conditions, lower doses are recommended than those previously prescribed by physicians in practice. Information on the use of aspirin for rheumatologic diseases has also been expanded to include specific dosing information as well as information about side effects and toxicity. Thus, doctors will have full prescribing information on aspirin and the assurance that aspirin is a safe and effective treatment for heart attacks, strokes, certain other vascular conditions and rheumatologic diseases.

Q. What is the basis for the new prescribing information?

A. The new information on the uses of aspirin is based on scientific studies that support treatment with aspirin for heart attacks, strokes, and some related conditions. Convincing data support these uses in lower doses than previously believed to be effective in treating heart attacks and strokes in both men and women.

Q. What does this mean for patients?

A. Physicians will be better able to prescribe the proper doses for these uses for male and female patients with these medical conditions. Dose-related adverse events for patients with stroke and cardiovascular conditions should be minimized because lower dosages are recommended. The full prescribing information now provided for physicians who treat rheumatologic diseases will enhance the safe and effective prescribing of aspirin to these patients as well.

Q. Is FDA concerned that some patients may self-treat?

A. FDA emphasizes that consumers should not self-medicate for these serious conditions because it is very important to make sure that aspirin is their best treatment. In these conditions, the risk and benefit of each available treatment for each patient must be carefully weighed. Patients with these conditions should be under the care and supervision of a doctor.

Q. If a consumer is interested in using aspirin to prevent or treat symptoms of heart problems, what should he or she do?

A. Consumers should always first ask their doctor. In fact, aspirin products are labeled this way: "Important: See your doctor before taking this product for other new uses of aspirin because serious side effects could occur with self treatment."

Q. Do the data on treatment or prevention of cardiovascular effects pertain only to aspirin?

A. Yes. Although acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxyn sodium and ketoprofen are good drugs for pain and fever, as is aspirin, only aspirin has demonstrated a beneficial effect for heart attack and stroke.

Q. What should consumers be made aware of?

A. Consumers should be informed that these new professional uses of aspirin may be lifesaving when used upon the recommendation and under the supervision of a doctor. However, they must also be informed that even familiar and readily available products like aspirin may have important risks when used in new ways. For example, because aspirin can cause bleeding; in rare cases bleeding in the brain may occur in people who are using aspirin to prevent stroke. Therefore these new uses should be recommended and monitored by a physician.

Q. What should consumers who are taking low dose aspirin for disease maintenance or prevention know about alcohol use?

A. Patients who consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day should be counseled about the bleeding risks involved with chronic, heavy alcohol use while taking aspirin.

A. If consumers suspect they are having a heart attack, their most important action must be to seek emergency medical care immediately. The advise and supervision of a doctor should direct this use of aspirin and patients are encouraged to speak with their doctor about this use.

Q. What do we know about how aspirin works for heart conditions and stroke?

A. The mechanism by which aspirin works in the treatment of heart attack and stroke is not completely understood. However, as an antiplatelet drug, we do know that aspirin help reduce platelet clumping which helps cause blockage in blood vessels.

Q. Who should NOT take aspirin?

A. Generally, people who have:

allergy to aspirin or other salicylates

asthma

uncontrolled high blood pressure

severe liver or kidney disease

bleeding disorders

Always check first with your doctor to determine whether the benefit of these professional uses of aspirin is greater than the risks to you.

Q. What other side effects are associated with aspirin?

A. There is a wide range of adverse reactions that may result from aspirin use including effects on the body as a whole, or on specific body systems and functions.

High doses can cause hearing loss or tinnitus -- ringing in the ears. (Note that this usually only occurs with large doses as prescribed in rheumatologic diseases and is rare in treatment with low doses used for cardiovascular purposes.)

Q. What is key message for Consumers?

A. The results of studies of people with a history of coronary artery disease and those in the immediate phases of a heart attack have proven to be of tremendous importance in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Studies showed that aspirin substantially reduces the risk of death and/ or non-fatal heart attacks in patients with a previous MI or unstable angina pectoris which often occur before a heart attack. Patients with these conditions should be under the care and supervision of a doctor.

Aspirin has potential risks as well as benefits, like any drug. Patients should be careful to ask their doctor or health care professional before deciding whether aspirin is right for them and how much aspirin they should take.

Q. What were the major studies used to verify the effectiveness of aspirin for these indications?

A. Numerous studies both in the United States and abroad were evaluated to establish the safety and efficacy of aspirin for the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular indications and dosing information.

* Note the reference numbers refer to the citations in the Final Rule. (Food and Drug Administration. Internal analgesic, antipyretic, and antirheumatic drug products for over the counter human use; final rule for professional labeling of aspirin, buffered aspirin, and aspirin in combination with antacid drug products. Federal Register. October 23, 1998; 63:56802-56819.)

Asteric Interactions

Uricosuric Agents: Aspirin may decrease the effects of probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, and phenylbutazone.
Alcohol: Has a synergistic effect with aspirin in causing gastrointestinal bleeding.
Corticosteroids: Concomitant administration with aspirin may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and may reduce serum salicylate levels.
Pyrazolone Derivatives (phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, and possibly dipyrone): Concomitant administration with aspirin may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents: Aspirin is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Urinary Alkalinizers: Decrease aspirin effectiveness by increasing the rate of salicylate renal excretion.
Phenobarbital: Decreases aspirin effectiveness by enzyme induction.
Phenytoin: Serum phenytoin levels may be increased by aspirin.
Propranolol: May decrease aspirin's anti-inflammatory action by competing for the same receptors. Antacids: Enteric Coated Aspirin should not be given concurrently with antacids, since an increase in the pH of the stomach may effect the enteric coating of the tablets.

Asteric Contraindications

Aspirin should not be used in patients who have previously exhibited hypersensitivity to aspirin and/or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents. Aspirin should not be given to patients with a recent history of gastrointestinal bleeding or in patients with bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia).